ABOUT US:
Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is the umbrella network organization representing Fairtrade certified producers and workers in Africa. It has four (4) regional networks – Eastern Africa; Southern Africa; West Africa; and Middle East and North Africa. Established in 2005, FTA aims to effectively represent producers and workers within the International Fairtrade System and provide services to them that contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods. The FTA Board directs policy and strategic development of the organization.
FAIRTRADE AFRICA PURPOSE: To improve the socio-economic conditions of African producers through increased access to better trading conditions.
ABOUT THE JOB:
The Programme Manager Flowers is responsible for delivering producer support for Fairtrade Flowers in East Africa, in line with the Fairtrade Flowers Strategy. The flower strategy targets improving the working and living conditions of workers and developing a sustainable supply chain for Fairtrade Flowers and young plants from East Africa.
In this versatile and challenging role, the Programme Manager Flowers, will lead a regional team to implement worker empowerment, organizational capacity strengthening, and certification interventions for Fairtrade Certified Flower producer organizations on the one hand, and collaborate with Fairtrade International and National Fairtrade Organisations to enhance Fairtrade sales and competitiveness of Fairtrade Flowers and young plants globally.
LOCATION: Eastern Africa (Kenya, Uganda, or Ethiopia)
REPORTING LINES: Post holder reports to: Head of Region – East & Central Africa Network
Staff reporting to this post: Yes
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: Yes
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key Performance Areas
Programme Management
Coordinate needs assessment programmes for flower producer organizations to inform programming activities in line with Fairtrade Africa (FTA) strategic objectives.
Develop and execute project plans to ensure successful, timely delivery that meets the broader strategic goals.
Assist producers and members in participate in local, regional, and international events.
Develop plans for producers and member organizations to optimize their operations and impact, enhancing engagement and participation through excellent communication and relationship management.
Provide continued support to producers in Fairtrade premium use strengthening, risk management, visibility of best practices, and differentiation.
Offer producers support on emerging trends including Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) and corporate accountability alignments.
Assist in identifying commercial opportunities and facilitate visits by NFOs, donors, and buyers to the producer and member organizations.
Advocacy & External Relations
Support producer organizations in the formation of member networks such as product and country groupings or platforms as avenues for policy influence and advocacy.
Manage communications with existing donors and delivery partners to promote deeper engagement, loyalty, and maximize long-term value.
Oversee relevant workstreams on wage improvement for workers and empowerment of workers and worker associations.
Manage partnerships with other organizations to advance FTA’s programming activities.
Contribute to regional communications by drafting articles for newsletters, compiling producer experiences, and sharing best practices.
Develop relationships with new donors and partners, including identifying potential partners, nurturing relationships, and supporting proposal writing.
Reporting
Lead and coordinate the preparation of financial, donor, and programme progress reports.
Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of projects within the portfolio.
Collaborate with the M&E Officer in collecting monitoring data to coordinate impact or evaluation studies ongoing in the region.
General Management
Provide oversight on programme resources ensuring effective programme resourcing, efficiency, and overall accountability
Ensure the provision of reports on grants, M&E, Finance, Programme activity
Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual operational plan, providing the team with the needed direction to achieve results and hold them accountable.
Administration and management of core programme assets including service delivery contracts, flower producer’s database, the flowers online platform and other Fairtrade system platforms.
Support staff in developing realistic work plans based programmatic and producer organizations’ needs, ensuring effective implementation through the management of Programme Team Leaders and Programme Officers.
Regularly discuss performance, giving timely, constructive feedback, providing support to address issues, and acting when necessary
Provide technical support, guidance, and development for team members
Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agri-business management, social sciences, Project management, or a related field.
Experience and Knowledge
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in agricultural development of which 5 years should be in management position/roles.
Experience in supporting ethical and sustainable supply chains
Knowledge of agricultural development and sustainable business practices
Experience in implementing capacity building programmes for workers and smallholder farmers.
Experience in managing complex programmes/projects.
Experience and understanding of in labour and policy engagement issues Experience in managing complex programmes
Experience in Hired labour plantations, or Flowers and Young plants sector will be an advantage
Knowledge of Fairtrade standards and processes will be an advantage
Skills
Excellent communication skills.
Excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
Problem solving and solution oriented
Creativity and innovation
Resource mobilization skills Ability to coach and mentor teams
How to apply
APPLICATION DEADLINE is 10th May 2024
An application form (CVs will not be accepted) can be found on the jobs and volunteering page of our website: https://fairtradeafrica.net/vacancies-2/
If you have any queries, please e-mail recruitmenteastafrica@fairtradeafrica.net or call +254 202721930 or +254 704180169 and ask to speak to a member of the HR team.
Qualified applicants will be subjected to background checks as a pre-condition of employment.
Completed applications should be saved in the applicant’s name and the position (Programme Manager – Flowers) and be e-mailed to recruitmenteastafrica@fairtradeafrica.net.
All applicants should state how they meet essential requirements of the post and include their email address, telephone contacts and three referees with contact details on the application form.
ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.